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Little Gems

April 2, 2018

WHOI biologist Scott Lindell examines a container of gametophytes, germinal kelp plants, being prepared for use in a combined aquaculture experiment he is conducting. In six months, the millimeter-long young kelp will grow more than six feet and be ready for harvest. An increasing number of aquaculture operations in the Northeast are growing either kelp or mussels, which use similar technologies in their operations, and Lindell is investigating ways for existing kelp and mussel farmers to branch out by growing both crops simultaneously. He hopes that, in addition to helping the farmer, this will also improve water quality and provide better habitat for other coastal species. (Photo by Tom Kleindinst, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution)